FC Bayern München sent out a stark warning to their potential UEFA Champions League quarter-final rivals by completing the record margin of victory and aggregate scoreline in a post-group stage knockout tie in sweeping aside Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Record win
Two Lukas Podolski strikes and a Bastian Schweinsteiger effort were supplemented by an Anderson Polga own goal as João Moutinho gave Sporting scant half-time consolation with a superb strike. After the interval Mark van Bommel, a Miroslav Klose penalty and a maiden goal from youngster Thomas Müller ensured Jürgen Klinsmann’s side, who were without injured stars Franck Ribéry and Luca Toni, provided a couple of new entries for the competition record books.

Early strike
Bayern started with the confidence borne of their first-leg triumph and, if their self-belief needed any more reinforcement, Podolski provided it within seven minutes. The German international, who may not have been playing had Toni been fit, had already produced one dangerous cross before he nonchalantly struck a left-foot shot that dipped wickedly over Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patrício.

Record-breaking Bayern Stroll Past Sporting … read more »

FC Bayern München recovered from a difficult start to produce a scintillating display of attacking football in Lisbon – Franck Ribéry and Luca Toni both scoring twice as they all but secured a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Devastating
After surviving an early scare when Philipp Lahm headed Anderson Polga’s effort off the line, the imperious Ribéry helped the visitors take control, scoring either side of the interval with Miroslav Klose also netting in the 57th minute. Toni rounded off a devastating team performance with a late double to maintain Bayern’s strong record against Portuguese opposition, while Paulo Bento’s Sporting were left without a win against Bundesliga sides in 15 attempts ahead of the second leg in Munich on 10 March.

Sporting start brighter
Amid a lively atmosphere the hosts began confidently, enjoying the majority of possession and having the first effort on goal when Fábio Rochemback’s long-range strike was deflected wide. In the 12th minute Sporting came closer still, Polga finding space in the area from Leandro Romagnoli’s corner, but his shot was headed off the line by Lahm with visiting goalkeeper Michael Rensing well beaten.

Brilliant Bayern Brush Sporting Aside … read more »